This is my second year of reading through God's awesome Word using Professor Grant Horner's 10 List Reading System. And I still LOVE it so much, words are not enough to express how much this reading plan has effected my life and continually increases my gratitude and love for my heavenly Father sacrificing His Son to save my soul; for the Son giving us His Holy Spirit to sanctify me, and seal me until the Day of Redemption. Hallelujah!

Every day is different. Some days I'm in awe of how all 10 chapters tell the same story. Others days I'm in awe of how all 10 chapters teach me the same lesson through very different circumstances. And some days, like today, I'm reminded of the awesome gift of knowing God Almighty and being adopted as one of His holy children through repentance and faith in Christ, His Son (Mk 1:15, 2 Cor 7:10).

Reading Ruth 3 and Isaiah 47 on the same day, I'm finding, is a very healthy heart exercise; spiritually and physically. When I read Ruth chapter three, my heart is warmed as I see Jesus, the Son of God, taking human form to make Himself my kinsman-redeemer. To do this, He disrobed Himself of His glory, and put on sackcloth and ashes (skin and bone). I am in awe of my Lord's great condescension.

When I move on to Isaiah chapter 47, I am reminded of what my sins have truly earned me—the wrath of God—eternal punishment in the lake of fire. I am reminded that before my Lord Jesus found me in my lost and depraved and utterly sinful state, I was counted as one of God's enemies. Terrifying! I wandered in my own direction, was a lover of self-pleasure rather than a lover of God and His righteousness. I sat in darkness, and blinded by my own sins, did not know it. Intoxicated by my own pride, I lived a destructive life and hadn't the slightest clue. Yet, in God's great mercy, before the foundation of the world, He chose me for Himself; not because of anything I had done or would do, but only because He set His love upon me.

The Lord of glory, made Himself nothing (Php 2:5-7), to make me what was impossible (except by the power of God), a daughter of the Most High. I can't grasp the enormity of that truth. I...am...a daughter...of the LORD of hosts. The King of kings, the Ancient of Days, God Almighty, the Alpha and Omega—is my Father. My mind is baffled and my heart is elated that I can actually make this claim and not be a blasphemer! It is difficult for my finite mind to fully grasp this infinite truth. Which is why my only response for all God has done for me in Christ Jesus—is to worship the King of glory.

One of the greatest and saddest deceptions that befall all people, is the deception of self. Too often we believe our own press and/or who we think we are, versus who we truly are before the sight of God Almighty. Because of our sin nature, none of us are as "good" as we should be. And because of God's grace, none of us are as depraved as we could be.

If you're reading this today and aren't sure if you're one of the people living under the deception of who you think you are versus who you truly are as God sees you, I have good news for you. Because God is so kind, is filled with compassion and mercy, and is exceedingly gracious to us, He gives and shows us things He doesn't have to; to help us live in truth. And what is it that God has compassionately given us so we can face the truth of who we really are? He's given us His Word—His holy and infallible "mirror".

"the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes...For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account...But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

-Psalm 19:8, Heb 4:1213, James 1:25 (ESV)

If we're inebriated with pride, we can look into God's holy and infallible Word, and still come away thinking, "Yep. That's me. I'm good." Remember, those who are confident in their own self-righteousness are the first whom the Lord will oppose...and humble (1 Cor 10:6-7, 11-12). Thankfully, if we truly belong to the Lord, He is faithful to discipline us, and He mercifully provides us with another "mirror"—the words that come out of our mouths (or our keyboards).

Jesus said what comes out of our mouths reveals what's in our hearts (Mt 15:18-19). Jesus also said that whatever we fill ourselves with, will be what flows out of us; and therefore commanded all believers to be filled with the Word of God (Col 3:16).

So if we're truly filled with God's Word, God's love and God's grace, then sacrificial living and loving will flow from us and will enrich others (Php 2:3-4). But if we're filled with our desires, love of self, and feign niceties; then deeds of convenience and perpetual whining will flow from us and will burden others.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there will be every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

-James 3:13-18 (ESV)

None of us are sinless. And no one, including Christians will ever attain a sinless state on this side of Heaven. However, Christians alone can and should sin less, and less and less, because that's proof that the Holy Spirit of God dwells within us (Rom 8:29).

God promised that He is faithful to complete the good work that He began in us since the day He granted us the gift of repentance that leads to saving faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. Jesus promised that those who are truly converted will manifest the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in their lives; and there will be evidence that we're being conformed all the more into the image of Christ.

We are all worshipers and we are all conformed by what is most near and dear to us. If the Lord God Almighty is the one we worship; if He is the one who is most near and dear to us, then we will be conformed into His image. We will love what He loves (righteousness) and we will hate what He hates (sin). The battle between God's Holy Spirit within us and the sin in our flesh will be a constant testimony to us that we belong to Christ. But if there is no inner battle between righteousness and sin, but only external consequences, then with great love from Christ our Lord, I urge you to examine yourself with God's Word (2 Cor 13:5).

There are many ways in which we deceive ourselves and thereby, deceive others. All forms of deception is destructive, whether we believe ourselves to be mightier than we are, wiser than we are or more sinful than we are. We all have enough legitimate sins we must die to, so let's not exasperate the situation by believing we've committed sins we actually haven't. And if you have sinned (according to God's Word and not by the opinion of others), don't deny it—instead, repent and be free of it (1 Jn 1:8-9). If you're not sure if you've sinned, check with God (not people...and especially not those who always tell you what you want to hear). Seek the Lord's wisdom by deferring to His Word as your preeminent source of truth (Ps 119:105).

When we're not honest with ourselves about the gifts and talents God has given us, we'll either presumptuously function in gifts we don't have, or we won't use them at all. And if we're not honest with ourselves about our proclivities to specific sins, then we'll never battle them, nor will we repent of them when temptation gives birth to sin.

Only when we daily hold up the infallible and perfect mirror of God's Word before our hearts, can we ever humbly confess our sins, daily repent, receive God's forgiveness, and live in the freedom Christ died to give us—to please, honor and glorify God (Heb 11:6).

"Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

-Psalm 19:12-14, ESV

Tomorrow, we'll celebrate another Mother's Day. For some, it'll be a day in which we have the opportunity to honor our mothers who love the Lord and taught us to do the same. For others, it'll be a day when we miss our mothers who are no longer with us, but have entered eternity with Christ, or grievously, without Christ. And for others, this Mother's Day will be a day where we're tempted to send cards filled with untruthful, feel-good sentiments and share posts on social media that describe a godly mother we never had/have. Regardless of what kind of mother we had/have, we're called by God to love and honor her...biblically (read: Celebrating A Different Kind of Mother to find out how to practically obey this biblical mandate).

Some, like me and my husband, were raised by mothers who worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. But sadly, neither are/were believers (my mother-in-law entered eternity without Christ🥺) However, we're still grateful to the Lord for choosing these mothers for us because it was right and fitting in His sight to do so...even though they brought us much pain and heartache. Pain and heartache are not altogether evil, especially if they draw us nearer and dearer to the Lord Jesus—where we belong (Ps 119:67-68).

Therefore, every birthday and Mother's Day, my husband and I have to choose to either flatter our mothers with cards and sentiments filled with lies, ruminating about the kind of mother they never were then, or are now; or we can lovingly share what is true—that we love them with all our hearts and earnestly pray for their reconciliation with our God and Father through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We've chosen to do the latter because speaking the truth in love is what's most loving and honoring to the Lord, and most loving and honoring to our mothers; regardless of the results (Gal 1:10). After all, it is not honoring to any parent to have a child who lies (Prov 26:28)?

With all the diverse upbringings, Mother's Day can be filled with delight, or filled with strong temptations to look like everyone else and boast that we have godly, loving, and encouraging mothers; even if we don't. We can compare our gifts with others and give extravagantly only to outdo our friends, or we can give heartfelt gifts; which honor the Lord, therefore, honors our mothers (2 Cor 9:7).

This day is also filled with temptations to pretend we were, or are presently, the godly mothers we never were then, or are now. Whether we are, or are not the mother's the Lord commands us to be, many delight and seek to be honored, exalted, and well-spoken of. But I don't...anymore. As I've grown in my love and gratitude for what my Father has done for me in Christ Jesus, I've become more aware of the wickedness within me. And I no longer delight in feign words of adulation, undue praise, nor being exalted. My greatest joy for my children is to see them walk with the Lord (3 John 1:4), in the light of God's truth, in every aspect of their lives (Jn 3:21).

It's not that it's wrong for my children or any child to honor and give praise to mothers who have (but not perfectly) trained and diligently pursued to be a Proverbs 31:10-31, Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Timothy 2:9-13, Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 woman. But it is better that Christ be exalted and honored on this day or any day. I prefer for my children to always lift up the name of Jesus, and praise Him continuously because He alone can give them eternal life. I can't. And He alone can love them perfectly. I can't do that either. But I can choose to faithfully point my sons to Jesus rather than to myself, so that they may bask in the grace and mercy of God my Savior.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us celebrate it like we should celebrate every day—as a gracious and kind gift from God Almighty. Celebrate it as another day to worship the Lord Jesus in the splendor of holiness. Choose to use this day as another opportunity to talk about how awesome God is rather than talk about or listen to how awesome you are, because you aren't...and neither am I. God alone is awesome because God alone inspires an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration and fear. We do not.

Us mothers may be kind, we may be wise, we may even be godly, but we are not awesome. That attribute is given to and reserved for the one and only true God; so let's give Him His due praise, rather than try to receive it ourselves or wrongly extend it to others. And let us teach our children to speak truthfully about us, rather than allow them to speak of godly characteristics we do not presently possess, but should aspire to acquire one day, through daily dying to self and abiding richly in the Word of God—that is, Christ Jesus the Lord (Col 3:16).

"Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!...But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Great is the LORD!'...What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people."

I know I don't mean to do it as often as I do. And I'm sure no one else does (or, at least I hope not). But we all do it more than we should, and even once is more than enough. What is it? It, is our tendency to palliate, that is, lessen the severity of, without remedying—our sins and the sins of others—particularly those who sin similarly to us. And if we happen to like them, their sins aren't as bad as others, or even worse, we choose to be blind to their sins altogether.

This is truly a grievous activity.

How do we do it? Well, I'm not going to presume upon how others might do it, but I sure know how I do it. And it's often subtle because it's cloaked in the worldly definition of love. The love that says, "I'm okay, you're okay" therefore never does or says anything that might make you dislike or reject me. So, when I see you sin, and especially if it's a sin similar to mine, I might say something like, "Oh, well...none of us are perfect." Or if I want to throw a dash of false humility in this brew of sin I'm concocting, I might even add, "After all, I've done (or am doing) the same thing."

Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with admitting a sin and making a connection with whomever I'm speaking with. What's wrong is that I stop there. I don't do what I know I is right (James 4:17) and therefore, I sin...again.

If I'm truly living Ephesians 4:29 and cared more about the Lord and your relationship with Him (than I care about your relationship with me), I wouldn't stop after I confessed committing the same sin. After noting this mutual weakness in the flesh, I would say, "We both need to repent and be grateful for God's forgiveness in Christ Jesus. And if we're truly grateful for His grace, we'll both commit to write God's Word on our hearts concerning this matter so we don't keep sinning against Him. Will you keep me accountable?" Then I would immediately begin looking up Scriptures to strengthen us so we might not sin like this again. Moreover, I would pray that the Lord would write His Word on our hearts (Ps 119:10-11, 24).

If I truly love the LORD my God, I will love what He loves and hate what He hates. If I truly love Jesus, though I may never be sinless on this side of Heaven, I will aspire not be a repeat offender of the same crime.

So, if you ever catch me involved in this sinful activity of palliating my sin and yours, please rebuke me. Please remind me that this wicked attempt to make us both more comfortable about our sins is what caused our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to leave His heavenly throne, descend into His own creation, be abused and crucified, and rise on the third day, so we might escape the wrath of God and receive forgiveness for our sins and inherit eternal life.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in the putrid cesspool of my sins. I want to live in the glorious new life Jesus died to give me—the life of a daughter of the Most High God, washed clean, and dressed in the robe of Christ's righteousness.

"The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep [treasure] Your words. I entreat Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to Your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep [protect] Your commandments."

~Psalm 119:57-60 (ESV)

When we were little children, the first time we received a lollipop or a shiny sticker from our doctor, we were overjoyed and grateful. The second time, we were again excited about trying a new lollipop flavor and the new sticker we could get. Perhaps this time, it would be a scratch and sniff! But the third time, we begin to grow weary with the same old lollipop and sticker choices. So we snuff our noses as we walk by the lollipops and stickers and brighten our eyes to the new, bigger and better prize we have earned! Yep. Earned.

As cute and cuddly as we are when we're little, we're still sinners waiting to tell the world what our demands are and by golly, they better deliver. We start first with our parents. Much like our doctor's visits, we act as if our parents owe us something. For what? Our mother's owe us because she carried us for nine months, fed us, sacrificed her figure and health and some of them, their lives? Our mother's labor for us from the day she conceives until the day one of us dies, and for this, she owes us....what?

Our father's work tirelessly and sacrificially to provide a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes to cover and warm our bodies. And if we're blessed with parents who love the Lord Jesus, then they spend hours reading and studying the Bible themselves and teaching and training us in the love and admonition of the Lord. Christian parents pour out their whole hearts and lives to their children so that they may know Christ and be known by Him.

Additionally, we think our children owe us something because we're doing just as God has commanded? They are God's gifts to us, to draw us nearer to Him; to remind us we can't do anything ourselves (even take care of a helpless infant). Our children humble us and bring us to our knees. And for this, we ought to continually give thanks to the Lord.

Sadly, this uncomely cycle of self-adulation and entitlement extends to our adulthood.

Even as adults, when we first meet a new friend and they share a kindness with us, whether in word or deed (or both), we are very touched and extremely grateful. We're so moved by their kindness, we want to tell our spouse, our children, and everyone on social media. But after this person does something kind a second or third time, we're no longer filled with the same gratitude we first had, rather—we expect it.

Why does this happen? Why does familiarity breed ingratitude and if not dealt with, lead to contempt?

Pride. Entitlement. Ingratitude. Contempt. That's how.

Ever since Adam and Eve committed the first sin in the Garden (believing they could be like God), all humanity has been cursed with insatiable pride that tells us we are owed everything good and nothing bad. This makes us feel entitled, which leads to ingratitude and when we don't recognize and repent of this, we become contemptuous, impatient and unkind to others.

How we see ourselves and those around us, greatly affects our relationship with God. If we can be so prideful, feel so entitled, be so ungrateful and contemptuous towards those we can see, how much more do we behave the exact same way towards God whom we can't see (1 John 4:20)?

We think too much of our own "good" deeds and too little of others. And sadly, sometimes the "good" we think we're doing isn't really a blessing to others, but rather, a burden. It may surprise us to discover, when we get to Heaven, that the time we think we spent blessing someone, was actually, the other way around. It was a sacrifice and unpleasant experience for them to be with us, therefore, a great blessing to us, rather than to them. And we missed it.

We're left in this sad and destructive state as long as we don't repent and remember what Christ did for us on the Cross at Calvary. As much "good" we think we do, we don't and can't do it unless God works it through us (Eph 2:10). Unless God gives us the seed to sow, unless God blesses us with anything to give whether in word or in deed, we have nothing but evil to give anyone (1 Cor 4:7).

The truth is, we owe God everything; and therefore, are indebted to generously love others well because God first gave generously and loved us well.

What we give to the Lord and to others is so minuscule compared to what has been given to us by our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.


Let us never assume we're so familiar with others and with God that we feel as if they owe us every good and no evil. And let us always be surprised and grateful for any act of kindness that comes our way. After all, we probably don't even realize the great sacrifice some people make in order to give us a widow's mite.

The next time you sense yourself feeling slighted or indignant about a kindness that wasn't given to you that you assuredly knew you deserved, look to the Cross. No true Christian can fix their eyes on Jesus' costly sacrifice and then turn to see themselves as anything more than an utterly humbled and grateful servant who feels as they should—unworthy of the price that had to be paid to set them free.

E.L. James (Erika Leonard James) born March 7, 1963, is only six years and 20 days older than me. She's a British author whose first book, Fifty Shades of Grey was a runaway success. She's married, and she and her husband  have two teenage sons (as of 2012, not sure how old they are now).

Many say her books were a surprise hit, but I don't agree. It's no surprise that this trilogy filled with every shade of evil, only proves what God already said—we're all depraved, and without Christ, we're actually drawn to darkness rather than repulsed by it.

"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (John 3:19, ESV)

E.L. James gladly admits that Fifty Shades of Grey is her "midlife crisis, writ large. All my fantasies are there, and that's it." Some people purchase a new car or a new house; they get in shape, or find new hobbies when they have their midlife crisis. But poor E.L. James decided to infect millions of people (mostly women) with this book where she attempts to make a cesspool of evil look like a refreshing dip in clean, clear waters. But no matter how you dress it up, dung is dung.

With the heightened awareness of abuse (emotional, mental and physical) toward women, I'm surprised Hollywood would consider flinging this dung onto the big screen. Especially with the most recent Ray and Janay Rice incident and how poorly the NFL initially handled the situation—it seems odd. Everyone was appalled by watching a less than five minute video of Ray Rice abusing his then fiancée, Janay in the elevator. Yet, Hollywood thinks people actually want to sit for nearly two hours and watch a woman get violently abused?

I don't know. Perhaps millions will go see this movie. Perhaps all those who cried "Foul!" when Janay Rice was abused by Ray Rice forgot what they said they hated. Perhaps all those people who said they cared about a woman's welfare and dignity just lied...to themselves and to the public. I hope not.

James says this is a "love story." It is not. It is a scripted, sadistic fantasy. In reality, no one conquers evil (Christian Grey) by submitting to it (Ana Steele). Satan and his demonic legions aren't convinced of their wickedness by people submitting to his dominion of darkness. Satan and his demonic legions are conquered by God's holy, mighty and righteous acts. Only good conquers evil. And God alone is good.

It breaks my heart to think millions of unbelievers have been bewitched by this book of horrors (Rom 1:24-25). But when I hear professing Christian men and women have read and "enjoyed" this book filled with more than 50 shades of evil, I'm indignant. And according to God, every Christian should be (1 Cor 5:11-13).

"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy."

~Colossians 3:5-8, 1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV)

Did I need to read this trilogy in order to recognize the evil oozing from the pages? No. Much like the caustic stench of death permeates the nostrils before one sees a week-old corpse, knowing the basic premise of the story line is enough.

The truth is: Real men don't dominate and abuse women—they cherish and protect them; and real women don't submit to immature fiends like Christian Grey.

Please don't misunderstand. Just because I'm calling a spade a spade doesn't mean I despise or have the slightest of ill feelings toward E.L. James. Rather, I feel great pity for her lost soul who, just like you and me, needs Jesus Christ. If ever I could sit down and have coffee, or a cup of tea with her, I'd greet her well and happily share the Good News of Jesus Christ with her. I pray the Lord will be pleased to grant her the gift of repentance that leads to salvation.

If you're reading this and you profess Christ as Lord, yet find even a slight hint of delight from this book that's an abomination before the sight of God, then please, I urge you—repent and seek godly counsel for your pleasure of sexual immorality.

If you're reading this and you're not a Christian, and enjoy this book, please know I am praying for your salvation. Only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can you be made acceptable before the sight of a holy God, have your sins forgiven, and conscience cleansed.

The prevalent thoughts and images about the "spirit" of Christmas usually involves: Santa Claus, worldly peace, sweets, merriment, feasting, lavish gift giving and receiving, the hustle and bustle of shopping and enjoying elaborate entertainment events to celebrate the birth of Jesus—the First Coming of Christ, the only begotten Son of God. But none of these things are found in any of the Old Testament prophecies or in the New Testament accounts of the great and glorious day that our Creator entered into His own creation as a humble babe.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying we ought not enjoy celebrating Christmas. My family does. What I am saying is, the focus and purpose of our joyful celebrations should be the same as God's focus and purpose: to bring the Good News of eternal salvation by giving us Christ as a propitiation for our sins.

The true spirit of Christmas and the reason for the season according to God is: eternal salvation.

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel...Abraham said, 'God will provide for Himself a lamb for a burnt offering, my son.'

"I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a Light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness...He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then His own Arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld Him...And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,' declares the LORD.

"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ...for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel."

~Gen 3:15, 22:8; Is 42:6-7, 59:16, 20;

Mt 1:21; Lk 2:11, 26, 30-32 (ESV)

The spirit of Christmas isn't about just being happy and more thoughtful to others than we would be any other time of the year. It isn't about making sure everyone says "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays". The essence of Christmas is the Son of God, coming in human form, to save sinners from what our sins have earned us: the wrath of God, which is eternal damnation in Hell.

This is why Christ came the first time. This is the Good News. This is the peace of God. This was God providing His own Lamb for the final and only acceptable sacrifice—for the remission of sins.

We nonchalantly say "The reason for the season is Christ". But we don't finish the sentence. The reason for the season is Christ came to save sinners...like you and me. 

So let us, the beloved children of the Most High God, stop trying to make the world do what they can never do on their own; give honor, praise and glory to our Lord Jesus (Heb 11:6). And let us stop entertaining the worldly and ephemeral, warm and fuzzy feelings of Christmas through decorating our homes and mere acts of charity. Rather let us do what Christ came to do—let us engage in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, adorning our hearts with His Word, while doing good to others. Because this is the true spirit of Christmas and the reason for this season.

Many of us are familiar with the "Blessed are..." portions of Jesus' sermon on the mount and sadly, some think that's actually the entire sermon. But it's not. Our Lord's sermon spans two chapters in the Apostle Matthew's gospel, with the major theme being: live holy lives unto the Lord. Though the Beatitudes are very important, it's only the short introduction to Christ's great teaching on what a true Christian's life looks like.

The Lord Jesus strongly teaches that our mere profession of faith doesn't prove we belong to Him. Only the demonstration of the Holy Spirit's work gives evidence that we've been sealed (2 Cor 1:22). But if the fruit of righteousness isn't born in all who profess the name of Christ, it's clear they're not possessed by the life of Christ.

Sermon on the mount in a nutshell:

If the Son of God did not disrobe Himself of His glory to put on sackcloth and ashes (skin and bones), descend from Heaven to fulfill the requirements of God's righteousness, take the blame and shame for our sins, suffer, die and resurrect anew, then all of us would be without hope of ever attaining eternal life. But because all this did happen and Christ did come and lived a sinless life, bore the just judgement for our sins, suffered, died, was buried, rose and ascended back to Heaven, having completed His work, now seated at the right hand of the Father; all who believe and call on the name of the Lord, will be saved.

However, not all who call on the name of the Lord, actually believe the Lord. This is the message of the sermon on the mount: saved people live like Christ, not for a time, but for a lifetime. False converts live in opposition to what they profess, living how they really believe—that they are their own god and live in accordance with what they feel is right instead of what God says is right.

Because of the sermon on the mount, I am deeply grieved for the many (that Jesus says) will be shocked to find out they are not His. On the day of Judgement, they will discover all their "righteous" deeds were only filthy rags in God's sight, because they weren't done in faith and by the power of God. But they were performed for various self-satisfying reasons and for the praise of others (i.e., "I did that because it made me feel good" rather than "I did that because it pleases God").

A true Christian feels good because they do what is pleasing to God (as clearly revealed in His Word), rather than thinking because they feel good, God must be pleased.

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

~Proverbs 21:2-3 (ESV)

Parenting isn't for wimps, the selfish, militant nor manipulative person who simply have children to gratify their already overweening egos. That's not parenting, that's propagating your own agenda much like Hitler who brainwashed, manipulated and militantly misled people to follow his ideal world; which included squashing the ideas and lives of others who didn't agree or fit into his utopia.

By God's immense grace He allows us to procreate and enjoy the blessing of having little ones entrusted to our care and raise them by His design, not ours. By His good and wise counsel, God has instructed us to lovingly train up our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4). This instruction isn't some sort of archaic, impersonal commandment, but rather a glorious privilege and gift from God on how to best care for our precious children in accordance with His perfect Word rather than our fallible opinions.

"All have turned aside; together have become worthless; no one does good, not even one...And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him."

~Romans 3:12, Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

Only through the hearing and receiving of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can any parent train up their children in the Way (that is, the narrow and holy way of Christ) they should go. If we don't understand the Gospel and if we haven't truly received it, the message of hope and the freedom found only in Christ can never be obtained, lived or taught.

It's only by God's grace that any of us are saved and it's only by His special grace upon His chosen people that we are kept and sanctified by the power of His Holy Spirit. I can't save either of my sons, but I can share and live the Gospel before them. I can't make them love God and others. But I can love God and others before them. I can't make them compassionate and considerate people. But I can demonstrate this through sacrificial service to them and others. I can't make them humble and thankful. But I can submit to my Lord Jesus and my husband joyfully and speak of the gratitude I have for the provisions God has made in my life.

Now that my sons are grown, I often ask myself, "Could I have done better?" And the answer is assuredly "YES!" There are so many things I've recently learned that I wish I knew two decades ago. But I didn't. And I know God allowed for that so I don't beat myself over the head with it. So what do I do with this new and improved parenting information I didn't have to benefit my children? I turn to those who are behind me and share this nugget of wisdom with them so their children can benefit. After all, what good is a blessing if you don't share it with others?

And this is the consolation: though none of us parents perfectly, by God's grace our children will be what He has ordained in His book in conjunction with our obedience, and even in spite of our disobedience. So though we may not be able to personally use all the wisdom about parenting we will continue to learn throughout our lives, we can still have the joy and privilege of passing them onto those who are raising the next generation.

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them...And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ...if we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself."

~Psalm 139:16, Philippians 1:6, 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the fruit of hands, and let her works praise her in the gates...I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me...Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him..."

~Proverbs 31:30-31, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:8-9 (ESV)

"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1, ESV)

No matter how many times I read this verse, I'm always in awe of what it says. While Jesus was fully aware of the utter torment and anguish He was about to endure that very night, His thoughts were not on Himself and what horrors would befall Him, but His full attention and love were fixed on His beloved apostles.

The original Greek for the phrase "loved them to the end" means that Jesus demonstrated God's perfect and pure (agape) love to His disciples, continually and fully; to completion, even in His darkest hour.

I'm in a dark place right now as my heart aches deeply for our youngest son, our prodigal, who is no longer walking in God's truth, but walking rebelliously in the deceptive world where truth is relative rather than absolute. While in this dark time, I often struggle with depression which causes me to disparage every new day, sure it will be filled with more sorrow upon sorrow.

But when I run to the LORD for help and protection (Prov 18:10), I get to read passages like this one in John 13. Immediately the Lord lifts me (Matt 14:30-31) out of the miry pit of despair and sets my feet on solid ground, making my steps secure. He puts a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to my God (Ps 40:1-3) and I am saved from the gravity of sadness that continually tries to pull me back.

When I read John 13 verse one, I'm encouraged that though my Lord and Savior looked straight onto the dire anguish of the Cross, He never forgot His disciples, whom He loved, and considered their low estate (Phil 2:4-8). Rather than be consumed with Himself and what He would suffer, Jesus was more concerned about His disciples and what they were about to suffer...though incomparable to His own suffering. And in His great love for them, He prayed for their protection, their unity, their love for God and one another, and that the Gospel would go forth to all the world.

Jesus' thoughts were on the Father's glory, His will and our greatest good―eternal salvation.

This is encouraging to me because in 1 Corinthians two verse 16 we're told that God has given us the mind of Christ! Having repented of my sins and trusted fully in the Son of God for my life, I am sealed with the Holy Spirit who alone knows the mind of the Father (1 Cor 2:10-11) and now through Christ, is given also to me. Rather than be enslaved to my own tormenting thoughts, I am free to fix my mind on the things above rather than on the things below. Because of Jesus' finished work on the Cross, I have been empowered from on high to think on that which is: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Phil 4:8).

Like Christ my Savior who did this over 2,000 years ago in John 13, I too can do and am doing―meditating on God's promises, considering what most pleases the Father; and after looking upward, I look outward to seek whom I may love and serve to the end.

"always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies... So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we do not look to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

~2 Corinthians 4:10, 16-18 (ESV)

No matter where you find yourselves today: physically, emotionally or spiritually, if by faith, you've repented and trusted in Jesus Christ, then be encouraged that you too have this rich and glorious gift in Him; the freedom to live fully in Christ (Gal 2:20) and perceive this life in the magnificent light of what's waiting for us in Heaven (1 Cor 13:12).

Read Psalm 22 today. Then thank Jesus for all He endured for you so that you might become something neither you nor anyone else could ever make you to be―a holy and beloved child of God Most High.

Just as our Savior did, we should do also; live in this world, but never be of it (Jn 17:14-18, Rom 12:2, 1 Jn 3:1-3).

May you all have a blessed and joyous time celebrating our Lord's Resurrection Day.

Peace be with you.

There are a barrage of "Christian" films that are currently in theaters and some soon to be released. The peculiar thing about all these movies are that none of them...until now, have been written or produced by actual Christians. One movie was written and produced by New Agers, another by an atheist and then this one: "God's Not Dead" produced by Pure Flix Entertainment in association with Check the Gate Productions.

Though "God's Not Dead" opened in a mere 780 theaters, it earned $9.2 million and ranked number four its first weekend. Other movies in the top five opened in nearly 4,000 theaters and took a 20 to 50 percent revenue dive in their second week. But the revenue for "God's Not Dead" only went down by 4.5 percent, remained in the top five (taking the fifth position), added 398 more theaters and earned $8.8 million its second weekend with a total gross of $21.8 million thus far.

After having the joy of watching this film, the first thing I thought was, "Finally! A good Christian movie that was actually produced by Christians; therefore it didn't blaspheme God, His character, or His Word."

"God's Not Dead" was well written, well acted and was true to the joys and hardships Christians who stand up for their faith endure from both unbelievers and sadly, even believers. Were there moments of cheesiness, yes, but honestly, I think many movies have that...not just "Christian" movies. No actor or script is perfect and not every line comes off as best as it could. Overall, I thought the acting and writing was spot on to real persecutions and pressures Christians endure...me included.

The story for the movie was inspired by 43 court cases that were filed from 1995 to present. In all cases, both Christians students and staff members were discriminated against by their universities for being faithful to Christ and God's holy precepts for their lives. There were students that were expelled and threatened to have their academic careers ruined. And some students even had teachers refuse to grade their work because: they stood for the biblical definition of marriage (between one man and one woman, Genesis 2:23-25), they advocated pro-life (Prov 31:8-9), refused to counsel gay couples (Is 5:20; Rom 1:18, 24-27), required members of Christian campus organizations to live by biblical standards (1 Cor 5:11-12, 1 Pet 1:14-16), etc.

“We developed the script then commissioned a book by the same title with the arguments presented in the movie to debut a year ahead of the film. We felt the Newsboys’ popular song ‘God’s Not Dead’ was the perfect title and incorporated them as well as Willie and Korie Robertson of Duck Commander and fan favorite Kevin Sorbo (HERCULES, SOUL SURFER) into the script,” said Russell Wolfe, Managing Partner of Pure Flix.

Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper)

A college freshman, and a biblical Christian young man who's not a push over for his unsubmissive, self-centered and unsupportive, Christian girlfriend. When Josh enters his philosophy class he's publicly challenged and ridiculed by his professor for believing that God exists. No one except Pastor Dave (David A.R. White) encourages Josh to remain obedient to God, reminding him that he may be "the best exposure to Christ" anyone in that class has ever had. And Pastor Dave was right.

I thought the writers did a fabulous job of depicting what a true college freshman could do with only three class lectures to defend his view of the existence of God. Josh didn't come off as a studied theologian or a learned scientist. Rather, Josh provided evidence and presented ideas and arguments that someone his age, with limited time, and in his circumstance, might have access to. It would've been completely unrealistic to have a college freshman present evidence of God's existence like well-studied and well-degreed men and women of theology or science.

It's likely I'm not as smart as many, therefore I learned a lot from this movie and thought the arguments were good and spot on. I'm actually going to use what I've learned from the movie to share with others should I ever be in the same position as Josh.

Ayisha (Hadeel Sittu)

Works in the university cafeteria as well as attends school there. She lives with her Muslim family and wears a hijab ( Muslim head covering) to honor her father, but has secretly been a Christian for about a year. Her faith in Christ is violently tested. This particular story resonated with me the most, as it brought back personal memories of similar events and persecutions in my life.

Martin (Paul Kwo)

Is a Chinese citizen, studying in the United States. China is an atheistic country and talk of any religion is generally forbidden, so when Martin has phone conversations with his father about what's happening in his philosophy class, he encounters unexpected opposition and disinterest. Martin is very curious as to why Josh would put himself in a humiliating and seemingly futile predicament of proving an invisible God exists.

Pastor Dave (David A.R. White)

An associate pastor of a local church who privately feels he's not doing as much for Christ as he should in his comfy suburban, American town. He envies his visiting missionary friend, Reverend Jude (Benjamin Onyango) because he gets to work in the trenches without the same worldly comforts Dave has. Pastor Dave is a sincere and loving person who is genuinely concerned for the eternal welfare of all those around him and doesn't realize the comfort, encouragement and support the Lord provides others through him.

Amy (Trisha LaFache)

A young, vivacious journalist thinks she's going to conquer the world and assumes she's too important for the world to spin on without her. But in just one day, her narcissism is shattered by sobering, life-changing news. As happens with many (including me), it takes news like this to snap us out of the little fantasy worlds we make for ourselves where we're our own gods and we think we alone determine our destiny.

Mark (Dean Caine)

A very successful, megalomaniacal businessman who always considers "what's in it for me" before he makes or keeps a deal. Mark is dating Amy because they have the same life aspirations and being beautiful, she also makes for a very nice ornament to tote around town; satisfying his callous and overweening ego. When Amy shares her news with Mark, the only thought that crosses his mind is how inconvenient her news is to his life.

Professor Jeffrey Radisson (Kevin Sorbo)

Was raised by a Christian mother, who lost her battle with cancer when he was only 12 years old. Because Jeffrey himself had never repented and trusted in Jesus, rather than pray for his mother in accordance with God's will, he does what we're commanded by God never to do―test Him (Matt 4:5-7, 1 Cor 10:9-12). After trying to make an unsuccessful "deal" with God, Jeffrey feels slighted by the Almighty and decides He must not exist since He didn't see things the way Jeffrey did and didn't give him what he wanted (Job 41:11).

Mina (Cory Oliver)

A former student and now girlfriend of Professor Radisson. She's not very strong in her faith...yet, and like many women, looks for her value and identity from a man rather than the Son of Man, Jesus Christ the Lord. Due to this, she falls into the painful and deceptive world of missionary dating, that is, knowingly dating an unbeliever hoping to convert him (2 Cor 6:14-15). Thankfully, because she's truly saved, this relationship begins to gnaw at her and she seeks wise counsel.

Response to Naysayers

I must say that I've been very surprised and perturbed by illegitimate and contradictory complaints about "God's Not Dead". Some reviewers have said that this film puts "God on trial" and we're commanded not to test God. I agree we're not, and this movie doesn't do that. The term is used only to set up the dynamics of the debate between Josh and Professor Radisson much like Christ Himself spoke in farming terms to farmers, shepherding terms to shepherds, etc. in order to help the hearers understand the things of God by comparing them to the things people of this world understood...things of this world.

There are other reviewers who complain Josh didn't present a good enough argument because he forgot to mention many scientific facts about creation. While at the same time, saying it was unreasonable that a college freshman could ever win an argument with a near genius college professor.

The last two complaints I'll address are the ones that have purported that Josh supported the Big Bang Theory; he did not. The second complaint was that the script for the characters and situations they were involved in were unrealistic and stereotyped. Case in point, one reviewer said the atheist character Amy and business tycoon Mark were over-exaggerated because atheist aren't that mean or callous. I agree that not all atheist are, but some are...and honestly, so are many professing Christians.

I knew a Christian gal many years ago who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her professing Christian husband of 20 years left her and their three children and moved into a hotel or apartment saying, "I'm sorry this is happening to you. This doesn't fit into my life, so why don't you call your girlfriends from church and ask them to help you. Then call me when you're done with all this cancer stuff and I'll come back so we can resume life as usual." Her husband, like Mark was also a very successful business man and just felt this "cancer business" didn't fit into his business and life aspirations.

None of these stories were unrealistic, they were just some of the worst case scenarios Christians (though there are far worse) might face in order to encourage them to press on...no matter the cost. After all, why waste time on telling Christians how to handle situations where everyone likes you? We already know how to handle that.

What happened to all the characters in the movie have either happened to me personally, or others I know; all here in America. That's not hype or stereotype, it's real life.

Conclusion

This is by far the best Christian film I've seen in a while and I highly recommend everyone to support it by going to see it and sharing the message of hope found only in Christ that this movie accurately and realistically portrays.

The only thing I disagree with in this movie was their definition of why evil is in this world...freewill. As one who adheres to Reformed Theology, I don't believe God grants any human being freewill until after conversion rather than before (Rom 9:16). We don't choose God, He chooses us (Jn 6:37, 44; Rom 9:11, 19-24). I believe what is written in Scripture, that we are all inherently sinful (Ps 51:5, Rom 5:12, Eph 2:3) and destined for Hell (Rom 6:23); therefore slaves to our sin nature (Jn 8:34, Rom 6:16) until we repent and trust Jesus, who alone has the power to free us from the penalty and bondage of our sins―making us new creations (Rom 6:17, 2 Cor 5:17).

Be sure to visit the "God's Not Dead" blog page where they provide interesting resources to help you prove to others that God's not dead and neither is anyone who has left this world and is now Home with Christ (1 Thess 4:13-14).

They are surely more alive now than you or I.

God crushed His Son; Christ relinquished His majesty; then gave Himself up for us so that we might be His people—holy and righteous (1 Thess 2:10), full of mercy and grace (James 3:17), and to proclaim His excellencies to the world (Ps 9:1-2, 40:5, 116:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9).

God didn't save us so we could be free to do whatever we want, knowing we're forgiven of all sins: past, present and future. Neither did the Father do this so that we could haphazardly wander around this earth, mooning over all we want and don't have (like the rest of this world).

Just as the honor of being assigned as an ambassador of an earthly country should not be taken lightly, so we also, who are in Christ, should not take our high calling as children of the Most High God lightly.

An earthly ambassador is chosen to live in a foreign land to represent their country, while maintaining every attribute and character of their homeland. An ambassador does not lose or forget who he/she is merely because they live in another country for a time, rather, they honorably and proudly represent their country and their people.

A good and wise ambassador never conforms him/herself to their visiting country or their customs, because they know this is not their home, but a temporary assignment. Instead, they proudly adhere to and keep the customs of their country; which they love.

As God's holy and dearly loved children, we have been recreated, the old has gone and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). We are no longer of this world, but by God's grace have become citizen's of a new country; Heaven, our true and eternal Home (Philippians 3:20-21).

By washing us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, God the Father made us something we could never make ourselves—children of the Most High (1 John 3:1). This high calling has also made us ambassadors of Christ Jesus; representatives and heralds in this world for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Therefore, let us walk in the new life we now possess (Romans 6:4) rather than revel in our old debased thinking and wallow in our old, self-absorbed ways.

I love this exhortation from John MacArthur (Drawing Near), "Biblical holiness (sanctification) is often misunderstood, but it needn't be. When the Holy Spirit delivered you from the domain of darkness and transferred you into the Kingdom of Christ, you became His special possession. That doesn't mean you're sinlessly perfect, but it does mean you're no longer a slave to sin, the Devil and death. That's positional sanctification. Practical sanctification is the decreasing frequency of sin and the increasing frequency of righteousness as you progress in your Christian walk...Sanctification should not be confused with false standards of holiness...attempt[s] to be holy through external means...True holiness begins with a love for Christ Himself. That's what compels you toward greater sanctification...In Him [Christ] you were saved, which is the beginning of sanctification, and in Him you have every resource necessary for progressing in holiness."

Thank God today for His extreme kindness, mercy and love demonstrated to you through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then resolve to diligently pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the name of the Lord from a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22). And rejoice in your holy calling knowing that without holiness, no one will see God (Heb 12:14).

"His [God's] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that though them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in this world because of sinful desire."

~2 Peter 1:3-4

Be mindful, that as a Christian, you're granted the glorious and magnificent gift of living coram Deo (latin for "in the presence of God").

Is there life after death? Are we reincarnated and come back as something else depending on the kind of life we previously lived? Can the dead rise back to life? Is there really a Heaven and Hell?

The answers are: yes, there is life after death; no,  reincarnation isn't real; and yes, when a person dies, they will be resurrected either to eternal life in Heaven with God, or eternal damnation in Hell with Satan and his demons (John 5:28-29).

Two days ago, we rejoiced in the reason why Good Friday is so good—because, once and for all, the penalty for sin was paid in full for those who by faith, repent and trust their lives to Jesus (Hebrews 10:10).

“For if we have been united with Him [Christ] in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."

~Romans 6:5-11

Sequestration (n): Law—the act of removing (property) temporarily from the possession of the owner; seize and hold, as the property and income of a debtor, until legal claims are satisfied.

There's been a lot of talk about the sequestration that will automatically go into effect on March 1, 2013 if Congress is unable to come to an agreement regarding our national debt crisis of $16 trillion.

Businesses in the private sector will not be sequestered, only government agencies and its employees. I say "only" because many have purported that since the sequestration will affect a minority of the population, these talks are merely "scare" tactics our government is trying to employ in order to rouse the public to force their congressional leaders (particularly the Republican leaders) to acquiesce and completely agree with  the President and the Democratic party's solutions for the deficit.

Unfortunately, a number of these thoughtless conversations that lack compassion for those who will be dramatically affected by these across-the-board cuts, are coming from the mouths and keyboards of Christians.

I'm grieved to see fellow believers swept away by the undertow of worldly complaining and finger pointing. As children of the Most High God, we're endowed with the supernatural ability to rise above petty and unfruitful bickering. In Christ, we are gifted with eternal eyes; to see our lives and everything in this world through the lens of our Savior who freed us from the slavery of sin and darkness.

Our family and loved ones are some of the "minority" that will be affected by these cuts. Some are facing possible lay-offs while others, like our family, are facing the mandatory one day, unpaid leave (per pay period) that is required for all government employees.

However, our family is not distressed by the sequestration—our hope is in Christ, our sovereign King. But we are distressed by the lack of love, compassion, concern and prayers displayed by our brothers and sisters in Christ (John 13:35); for our country, for the salvation of our leaders, and for one another.

Having been set free from the futility of our minds, our heavenly Father has given us the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), whom through His Holy Spirit, enables us to clearly understand and pursue holiness (2 Peter 1:3) in every aspect of our lives—to be conformed into the image of Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:14, Romans 8:28-29).

God has not commanded us to figure out why depraved people are given power, why bad decisions are made, why conflicts are inevitable and why true peace can't be manufactured by man...we know why. We, who have been saved by the Father of truth, know the truth, and we have been set free from all the uncertainties of this world. God has set our feet upon His Rock, making our  steps secure (Ps 40:2).

When we allow ourselves to waste precious time clamoring about political injustices that infringe upon our personal affinities and worldly comforts, we dismiss our Father's command to pray for our government leaders (1 Tim 2:1-4) and especially for brothers and sisters in Christ who are most affected by things God considers precious: the life of an unborn child, trials His children endure, and  pure love overtly manifested within the body of Christ (James 4:17).

Brothers and sisters who are participating in the complain and blame game, I plead with you, please...stop sinning. Obey God. Remember your joy, hope and perspective about life is in Christ alone. It is secure. It is good. Therefore, let us spend our time giving thanks, interceding in prayer, encouraging peaceful conversations seasoned with grace, and filled with worship, to the praise and glory of our Father who is in Heaven (Philippians 1:9-11, 1 Thess 5:16-18, Heb 13:14-15, James 3:17-18).

And to my brothers and sisters who are being affected by this sequestration, please remember, our lives are not our own, we are hid and protected in Christ from all fear and dread that this life brings. We are children of the Most High God who has every hair on our heads numbered, and ensures that the sparrows that neither sow or reap, have plenty and are well cared for; how much more does our compassionate Father care for us?

Read Psalm 121 to quiet and refresh your soul (Zeph 3:17), and be encouraged by Psalm 37:23-25 below.

"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he [man] delights in His [God's] way; though he fall, he shall  not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."

Psalm 37:23-25

I love and pray for you all. Soli Deo Gloria.

The Seattle Times: Q & A on sequestration

The New York Times: Answers to questions on Capital's top topic